Boston City Council To Discuss Turner Case
Councilman Charged With Taking Bribes
POSTED: 6:41 am EST November 24,
2008
UPDATED: 11:33 am EST November 24,
2008
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BOSTON -- The Boston City Council has scheduled a special meeting Monday afteroon to discuss what to do about member Chuck Turner, who was arrested and charged with taking a $1,000 bribe last week.
Video Turner was arrested by federal authorities inside his City Hall office on Friday and charged with taking a bribe in exchange for his help securing a liquor license for a proposed nightclub in his Roxbury district.Former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson was arrested and charged last month in connection with the same case. She resigned her Senate seat last week. At a meeting Monday, the council could decide to oust Turner, urge him to resign, censure him or even take no action pending the outcome of his case.The council is awaiting advice from lawyers. At least one council member said he won't support any effort to remove Turner from the council."I'm not sure that we have the authority to further censure Councilor Turner in any way until he has his day or days in court," Councilor Michael Flaherty. The five-term councilor said he is innocent and he is planning a public rally with supporters in front of City Hall on Monday. Turner said he's the victim of an FBI "sting operation" designed to entrap him. He called the arrest a "set-up" and said he'll have more to say about an FBI photo that appears to show him taking the cash.
Video Turner was arrested by federal authorities inside his City Hall office on Friday and charged with taking a bribe in exchange for his help securing a liquor license for a proposed nightclub in his Roxbury district.Former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson was arrested and charged last month in connection with the same case. She resigned her Senate seat last week. At a meeting Monday, the council could decide to oust Turner, urge him to resign, censure him or even take no action pending the outcome of his case.The council is awaiting advice from lawyers. At least one council member said he won't support any effort to remove Turner from the council."I'm not sure that we have the authority to further censure Councilor Turner in any way until he has his day or days in court," Councilor Michael Flaherty. The five-term councilor said he is innocent and he is planning a public rally with supporters in front of City Hall on Monday. Turner said he's the victim of an FBI "sting operation" designed to entrap him. He called the arrest a "set-up" and said he'll have more to say about an FBI photo that appears to show him taking the cash.
Previous Stories:
- November 23, 2008: Turner Says He's Victim Of 'Sting'
- November 21, 2008: Turner Proclaims Innocence After Bribery Charge
- November 21, 2008: Hub Corruption Probe Widens As Councilor Arrested
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